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Rosalía's *Lux* album merges pop with classical, sparking youth engagement
Spanish superstar Rosalía's fourth studio album, Lux, released this week, blends orchestral arrangements with modern pop-a fusion teased in an Instagram video featuring classical music. The lead single, Berghain, opens with violins and a choir, showcasing her collaboration with the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO), a partnership that may introduce a new generation to classical traditions.
Young musicians embrace classical's creative potential
At the LSO East London Academy, a free program for 11- to 18-year-olds, teens like 15-year-old Si challenge stereotypes about classical music. "People say it's boring, but playing it feels exciting-it makes me want to keep going," she told BBC Newsbeat. Rosalía's album, she added, proves classical instruments can "make pop music more creative and fun."
Eighteen-year-old Iyannah, a cellist since age 11, initially "hated" the instrument but now aspires to a music career. She acknowledges barriers: "You need money and privilege to access opportunities." Yet, seeing diverse peers engage with classical music-like Rosalía's fans-has reinforced her passion. "It builds community," she said.
Pop's classical crossover isn't new, but authenticity resonates
While Rosalía's orchestral experimentation has gone viral-Lux tracks La Perla and Berghain feature in 600,000 TikTok videos with 3 billion views-she's not the first pop artist to embrace classical. Hattie Butterworth, editor of Choir & Organ and Opera Now, notes audiences crave authenticity: "When artists like Rosalía, who's classically trained, integrate orchestral elements, it feels more genuine."
TikTok data reveals growing interest: the #ClassicalMusic hashtag saw a 60% rise in usage over the past year. Creators like organist Anna Lapwood (1.4 million followers) have already carved niches, though a September 2025 TikTok survey found 35% of UK youth aged 16-25 still view classical music as "exclusive and unwelcoming."
Behind the scenes: LSO musicians on collaborating with Rosalía
For Belinda McFarlane ("Bindi"), the LSO's second violinist of 35 years, recording with Rosalía was a revelation. "We only heard fragments during sessions," she said. "Hearing the final album-how she wove our parts into her tracks-was thrilling." McFarlane praised Rosalía's hands-on approach: "She was friendly, full of ideas, and present in the studio. A true collaborator."
"It's fantastic to see young people connecting with classical through pop. Rosalía's album might just be the gateway they need."
Belinda McFarlane, London Symphony Orchestra
Cultural shift or fleeting trend?
While Lux has amplified classical conversations, its long-term impact remains unclear. For now, programs like the LSO Academy and viral moments on TikTok suggest a generational shift-one where orchestral sounds feel less like a relic and more like a tool for innovation. As Si put it: "Classical doesn't have to be old-fashioned. It's just another way to make music cool."
